Handbag apparatus with shoe compartment and method for use of the same

ABSTRACT

A handbag apparatus for providing a storage space within the handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes. The handbag apparatus comprising a main compartment accessible by a main opening of the handbag, and a reinforced hidden compartment insert coupled to a hidden opening that is closed by a flap located on a given external side of the handbag, the hidden compartment insert inserted through the main opening of the handbag and being closed off from the main compartment. The hand bag also includes a closure configured to secure and release the flap located on the given external side of the hand bag. The hidden compartment is configured to store one or more pairs of shoes.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein generally relates to a woman's handbag including a separate protective compartment accessible from the exterior of the handbag. The separate compartment can be used to store shoes separately from other contents within the handbag and provide protection from damage of the shoes not offered by the material of the handbag.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Handbags are often fashionably designed and typically used by women to hold personal items such as wallet/coins, keys, cosmetics, a hairbrush, mobile phone, etc. Recently, it appears as if many women have to carry multiple pairs of shoes with them at any given time; one for work, a pair for the gym, evening shoes, or simply the need to wear comfortable shoes in their every day commute to work. Often times, carrying multiple bags simply is not an option.

Women's handbags with an upper compartment and a removable lower compartment are known in the art. U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,279 issued on May 11, 1993 to Johnny Wilson discusses a dual unit handbag. The dual unit handbag has a top compartment that is removably connected to the bottom compartment by connection means such as a zipper. Either compartment can act as individual handbags, or the combination of the two when connected together can act as a single handbag. The bottom compartment is for holding accessories such as shoes which are not ordinarily found in a handbag.

However, a feature which to the inventor's knowledge has not so far been addressed is that handbags, such as the one discussed by the reference above, do not provide adequate protection for shoes. Shoe care is important not only in maintaining the look of shoes but is also important for preserving and adding to the life of shoes. In the case of designer, or more expensive shoes, shoe care may be viewed as protecting an investment, or what could be a future collectible. A person may be hesitant in placing expensive shoes in a handbag that offers little protection for fear that they may be scuffed or damaged.

There is thus a need for a handbag apparatus with a protective compartment used to safely store shoes without risk of damage or scuffing while still maintaining the appearance of an ordinary handbag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A handbag apparatus for providing a storage space within the handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes. The handbag comprising a main compartment accessible by a main opening of the handbag, and a reinforced hidden compartment insert coupled to a hidden opening that is closed by a flap located on a given external side of the handbag, the hidden compartment insert inserted through the main opening of the handbag and being closed off from the main compartment. The hand bag also includes a closure configured to secure and release the flap located on the given external side of the hand bag. The hidden compartment is configured to store one or more pairs of shoes.

The present invention also includes a method of using a women's handbag apparatus with a hidden shoe compartment for providing a storage space within the handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes. The method comprising releasing a closure securing a flap located on a given external side of the handbag, and opening the flap located on the given external side of the handbag; exposing an opening closed by the flap located on the given external side of the handbag. The method also include unveiling a hidden compartment by exposing the opening, the hidden compartment being closed off from a main compartment that is accessed from a main opening of the handbag, and placing one or more pairs of shoes in the hidden compartment. The opening is closed with the flap to conceal the compartment storing the one or more pairs of shoes and the closure is affixed to re-secure the opening.

According to some embodiment, the hidden compartment is an insert for the handbag. The method according to some embodiments may further include inserting the hidden compartment insert through the main opening of the handbag. The hidden compartment may be a reinforced compartment. In other embodiments, the hidden compartment is adjustable in size and in shape. The hidden compartment may be removable. In some embodiments, the hidden compartment is at least one of water-resistant and water-proof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings which are meant to be exemplary and not limiting, in which like references are intended to refer to like or corresponding parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of one embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left-side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a right-side view of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a right-side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIG. 6 is a right-side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a closed configuration; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method for using the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description of the embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 1-6, one embodiment of the handbag apparatus 10 of the present invention comprises double-handle 12, main compartment opening 14, main compartment 16, shoe compartment 18, flap 20, and closure 22. Handbag 10 and double-handle 12 may be made from leather, suede, fabrics, plastics, synthetic materials, a combination of these materials, or other conventional materials used in the manufacture of handbags. The type of handbag is not limited to the one illustrated and may include other types of handbags and bags such as satchel bags, tote bags, clutches, duffel bags, messenger bags, sling bags, and shoulder bags. Main compartment opening 14 may be primarily accessed by a carrier of handbag 10 for placing or depositing items into main compartment 16. Items placed in main compartment 16 may be any item able to fit into the dimensions of main compartment 16.

Shoe compartment 18 is accessible from flap 20 and provides a hidden and separate compartment from main compartment 16. Flap 20 may be located on an external side of handbag 10 and be made from the same material and appear uniform to the rest of handbag 10. Opening flap 20 may include releasing a closure 22. Closure 22 may be any fastener including snaps, magnetic, buttons, clip, Velcro, rope, and any other suitable types of fastening means for a handbag. According to another embodiment, flap 20 may also be secured by means of a zipper around the edges of flap 20. FIG. 3 shows a left-side view of handbag 10 and FIG. 4 shows a right-side view of handbag 10 in reference to the front-side view shown in FIG. 1. Although illustrated as being located on the right side of handbag 10, according to other embodiments, flap 20 may be located on the front, back, left, or bottom of handbag 10, to allow access to shoe compartment 18. The location of flap 20 may be based on any design and fashion considerations conceived to produce an aesthetically pleasing or well-functioning handbag.

Opening flap 20 exposes shoe compartment opening 24 to provide access to shoe compartment 18. The opening 24 may be a hidden opening and is in addition to a main opening of the handbag. The hidden opening may be designed in such as way as to blend in with handbag 10 such that the opening is obscured. In another embodiment, flap 20 may also be designed in an obscured manner. Shoe compartment 18 provides a separate compartment from main compartment 16 that is accessible through opening 24. FIG. 1-6 show shoe compartment 18 located on the bottom of handbag 10 as an exemplary location. The shoe compartment 18 may be designed in any location within handbag 10 and may occupy only a portion of a side, area or region, as opposed to an entire side, area or region.

The shoe compartment 18 provides a storage space within a handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes when typically placed in a handbag. In one embodiment, shoe compartment 18 may be a reinforced and closed off compartment strong enough to prevent any content within shoe compartment 18 to be crushed or suffer from physical damage. The shoe compartment 18 may be made from materials such as polycarbonate or acrylic plastics, metal, or any other rigid material. Shoe compartment 18 may also include straps or interior dividers for storing multiple pairs of shoes or each shoe to prevent the shoes from rubbing against each other. In another embodiment, shoe compartment 18 may be constructed from less rigid material such as fabric and reinforced by mesh or wire frame. In yet another embodiment, shoe compartment 18 may include padding in addition to the reinforced construction. Shoe compartment 18 may also be designed to withstand water, be water-resistant or water-proof. Additionally, shoe compartment 18 can also provide main compartment 16 and contents within the main compartment 16 with protection from dirt, mud, or water, etc., that may be on shoes or other items placed in compartment 18. Construction of the compartment may vary and may be designed in such as way as to prevent shoes from being scuffed or damaged in the shoe compartment 18 and at least withstand force and trauma a handbag would typically be subjected to.

Shoes 26 may be placed into shoe compartment 18 through opening 24 and secured by closing flap 20 and re-securing closure 22, as illustrated by FIG. 6. Shoe compartment 18 is not limited to storing shoes and is suitable for storage of any items, and in particular delicate items such as jewelry, hats, and electronics. Shoe compartment 18 may be located on the bottom of main compartment 16, where contents put in through main compartment opening 14 may be laid flat on top of shoe compartment 18. Compartment 18 is shown as a rectangular compartment in the figures but in other embodiments of the present invention, shoe compartment 18 may be designed according to various shapes and sizes.

In one embodiment, shoe compartment 18 may be comprised of a removable insert that is placed internally on the bottom of handbag 10. Shoe compartment 18 may be removed from handbag 10 by either through opening 24 or through main compartment opening 14. One advantage in having a removable shoe compartment 18 is that if carrier of the handbag 10 is not carrying any shoes, the volume of main compartment 16 may be effectively increased when shoe compartment 18 is removed to include the space previously taken by shoe compartment 18. In another embodiment, shoe compartment 18 may be collapsible and/or expandable to adjust for a desired size of shoe compartment 18. Collapsing and/or expanding shoe compartment 18 may cause main compartment 16 to increase or decrease inversely proportional to the size of shoe compartment 18.

FIG. 7 presents a method for using a handbag apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

A closure securing a flap located on an external side of a women's handbag is released, step 100. The closure may be a clip, magnet, button or zipper that allows for the flap to be disengaged or opened. An opening concealed by the flap located on the external side of the handbag secured by the closure is exposed, step 102. Exposing the opening includes opening the flap securing the concealed opening. The opening may be opened, closed, and hidden by the flap. This opening is separate from a main opening of the handbag. By exposing the opening, a hidden compartment is unveiled, step 104. The exposed opening leading to the hidden compartment is closed off from a main compartment accessed by the main opening of the handbag.

In a next step 106, one or more pairs of shoes may be placed in the hidden compartment. Once all the shoes or items are placed in the hidden compartment, a carrier of the hand bag may decide to close the hidden compartment. Step 108 includes closing the opening with the flap to conceal the compartment storing the one or more pairs of shoes. To secure the flap, the closure is affixed to re-secure the opening, step 110. The steps described in FIG. 7 may be repeated to remove the one or more pairs of shoes from the hidden compartment or to add additional shoes or items into the hidden compartment.

Notably, the figures and examples above are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention to a single embodiment, as other embodiments are possible by way of interchange of some or all of the described or illustrated elements. Moreover, where certain elements of the present invention can be partially or fully implemented using known components, only those portions of such known components that are necessary for an understanding of the present invention are described, and detailed descriptions of other portions of such known components are omitted so as not to obscure the invention. In the present specification, an embodiment showing a singular component should not necessarily be limited to other embodiments including a plurality of the same component, and vice-versa, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Moreover, applicants do not intend for any term in the specification or claims to be ascribed an uncommon or special meaning unless explicitly set forth as such. Further, the present invention encompasses present and future known equivalents to the known components referred to herein by way of illustration.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the invention that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the relevant art(s) (including the contents of the documents cited and incorporated by reference herein), readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present invention. Such adaptations and modifications are therefore intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance presented herein, in combination with the knowledge of one skilled in the relevant art(s).

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It would be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail could be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A method of using a women's handbag apparatus with a hidden shoe compartment for providing a storage space within the handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes, the method comprising: releasing a closure securing a flap located on a given external side of the handbag; opening the flap located on the given external side of the handbag; exposing an opening closed by the flap located on the given external side of the handbag; unveiling a hidden compartment by exposing the opening, the hidden compartment being closed off from a main compartment that is accessed from a main opening of the handbag; placing one or more pairs of shoes in the hidden compartment; closing the opening with the flap to conceal the compartment storing the one or more pairs of shoes; and affixing the closure to re-secure the opening.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is an insert for the handbag.
 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising inserting the hidden compartment insert through the main opening of the handbag.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is a reinforced compartment.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is adjustable in size.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is adjustable in shape.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is removable.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the hidden compartment is at least one of water-resistant and water-proof.
 9. A handbag apparatus for providing a storage space within the handbag that prevents the scuffing of shoes, the apparatus comprising: a main compartment accessible by a main opening of the handbag; a reinforced hidden compartment insert coupled to a hidden opening that is closed by a flap located on a given external side of the handbag, the hidden compartment insert inserted through the main opening of the handbag and being closed off from the main compartment; a closure configured to secure and release the flap located on the given external side of the hand bag; and the hidden compartment configured to store one or more pairs of shoes.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hidden compartment is adjustable in size.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hidden compartment is adjustable in shape.
 12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hidden compartment is removable.
 13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the hidden compartment is at least one of water-resistant or water-proof. 